Landscaping in the Big Country with Adam Andrews 7/11/26: Why Oak Trees Rule Texas

After a powerful July windstorm swept through Abilene, Adam and Amber discuss storm cleanup, assessing tree damage, and how to properly prune broken limbs to help trees recover. They explain why pecans, mesquites, and hackberries suffered the most damage while many oak trees weathered the storm remarkably well, along with tips for balancing damaged trees and protecting fresh pruning cuts.The episode also covers timely mid-summer landscape care, including treating squash bugs and spider mites, when (and when not) to fertilize St. Augustine lawns, and why pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides should be applied during the cooler morning hours for maximum effectiveness. Listeners will also hear recommendations for planting crape myrtles, vitex, and desert willows during the summer, while waiting until fall for larger shade trees.This week's featured plant is the oak tree, celebrating its role as America's National Tree. Adam explains the differences between live oaks, Shumard red oaks, bur oaks, Monterey oaks, lacey oaks, and chinkapin oaks, discussing growth habits, shade potential, acorn production, fall color, and why these hardy trees remain among the best landscape choices for West Texas. The show wraps up with a look at durable outdoor living spaces, highlighting long-lasting patio furniture designed to withstand the harsh Texas climate while creating comfortable places to enjoy your landscape for years to come.